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Keep the season full of cheer: Discover tips to boost safety during the holidays

October 20, 2025
Children opening a present in the family room next to a Christmas tree.

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas get-togethers, and spending quality time with family are some of the activities we appreciate over the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also brings more safety risks. Thankfully, adhering to some basic guidelines and using a well-equipped security system at your Salem residence can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Prevent burglaries at your Salem home with modern video cameras and automation

Traveling to spend time with relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Salem property empty ehances the danger of break-ins. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems allow you to watch over your house no matter your whereabouts with the latest surveillance. You may view real-time feeds from your video cameras through the smart home app on your smartphone.

Leading surveillance systems take an active approach to defending your home. If an individual comes too close, cameras will use audible and visible deterrences to send them running. Here are some additional ways you can prevent break-ins when you’re out: 

  • Program lights to activate at different intervals to make your home look occupied
  • Make sure your home security sign is visible
  • Access your home security app to ensure doors are locked and your system armed
  • Avoid announcing on social media that you’re traveling

Defend against holiday porch pirates in Salem

For many families, the holidays bring a constant stream of packages to your front door. Don’t attract thieves by allowing them to sit on your porch. Rather, obtain an immediate alert to your smartphone whenever a package appears so you are reminded to collect it. 

When you can, plan deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. Alternatively, see if a neighbor can take them in. You can unlock your door and turn off your alarm from your mobile device. If somebody is at your door, you can communicate with them via your video doorbell’s two-way talk function. 

Practice proper fire safety during the holidays in your Salem home 

Christmas trees, candles, decorative lights, and home-cooked meals are popular during the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are several tips for how to avoid them:

  • Cooking fires escalate during the holidays, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on an active stovetop. Keep kids at a distance to prevent burns. Be sure to observe manufacturer directions when cooking with fryers.
  • Hydrate Christmas trees and keep them a safe distance from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Be mindful that trees become more flammable as they dry out.
  • Don’t overwhelm electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Insecure connections and older outlets are prone to sparks and may cause fires.
  • Lit candles are lovely but also dangerous around trees and decorations. Use them carefully and always blow out flames when exiting an area.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to enhance your protection. When safety devices like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms connect to your home security, you and your 24-7 monitoring professionals will be notified when an alarm goes off, whether you’re home or away.

Stay safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Salem

Find everything you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Salem smart homes include advanced features like surveillance systems with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Give us a call at (503) 994-1230 and give your loved ones the gift of better security this holiday season.